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Archive for July 2018Will Proper Auto Maintenance at AutoChoice Service Center Inc. Really Save Gas?Posted July 30, 2018 7:11 AMHave you ever thought about all the little things we do to keep our lives running smoothly - like vacuuming? It makes a room feel fresher and more comfortable. We may not consider that we're also prolonging the life of the carpet by keeping it clean. But Bloomington drivers don't always extend those good habits into the garage. Our vehicles need regular maintenance just like our rugs need vacuuming. We may not notice a difference in the feel or appearance of the vehicle, but just as cleaning a carpet carries the hidden reward of prolonging its life, maintaining our vehicles incurs a hidden reward that becomes noticeable at Bloomington gas stations. Alignment and brake problems can also increase friction. Besides saving fuel, keeping these systems in good repair has the added benefit of saving you on tires and brake pads. These items wear out more quickly when the alignment is off or when the brake system isn't in good working order. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at AutoChoice Service Center Inc.. AutoChoice Service Center Inc.
Severe Service RequirementsPosted July 24, 2018 8:22 AMA lot of Bloomington drivers have asked whether or not they should use their severe service maintenance schedule, which is listed in their vehicle's owner's manual. It can be somewhat confusing, so we decided to consult an expert. Cricket Killingsworth is from QMI/Heartland, a manufacturer of automotive products and fluids. She's been in the automotive business for over 30 years and is a speaker, a trainer and a writer. Cricket says there's so much confusion on this topic because, "Most owner's manuals actually have two maintenance schedules. Sometimes these are called 'regular service' and 'severe service.' Sometimes they're simply called Schedule 1 and Schedule 2. A severe service schedule recommends that things like an oil change, air filter replacement and transmission service be done more often: either in fewer miles or in less time."
It's common sense for Bloomington drivers: Just a few minutes at higher speeds allows the moisture in the oil to evaporate. Very short trips, or trips of less than 10 miles when it's very cold, don't allow the engine to heat up enough to get rid of the water. And water in the oil leads to damaging sludge. Also, towing and heavy loads raise operating temperatures and cause fluids to break down faster. Dusty and muddy driving around Bloomington means that more dirt will get past the air filter to contaminate the fuel system and engine oil. The bottom line is that you need to decide for yourself if the regular or severe service schedule is right for you, based on your driving habits. Look at your owner's manual or talk with your AutoChoice Service Center Inc. service advisor who can help you know which schedule to follow. Ask us for help evaluating your driving and service needs. AutoChoice Service Center Inc. Steering Clear in BloomingtonPosted July 15, 2018 4:13 AMThose who know vehicles believe the steering system may be the most vital component of them all. Perhaps you've found over the years your steering has gotten loose. Or maybe suddenly, your steering wheel has gotten very hard to turn. Let's steer you in the direction of understanding why this may be happening. First, loose steering. This can likely be the result of wear and tear on the components that connect the steering mechanism with the wheels. Those parts can be ball joints, Pitman arms or tie rods. These parts take a lot of abuse on the road, thanks to railroad tracks, potholes, uneven surfaces: you name it. It's important that they be checked regularly and maintained at AutoChoice Service Center Inc.. Second, the hard-to-turn wheel. Virtually all vehicles on the road have power steering. There are a couple of different types, though, so let's deal with each. By the way, when they fail, your vehicle's steering can suddenly go from easy peasy to really hard to control. Some vehicles have hydraulic power steering. It uses a hydraulic fluid that can either leak out or become contaminated. When that happens, you can lose that power assist. There's also a belt involved, and if it becomes worn, stretched or cracked (or even breaks), you'll find yourself struggling with the wheel. If you hear a loud whine coming from the area in the engine compartment when you are steering, that could mean your power steering pump is failing. The best way to avoid these problems is regular maintenance. Recently, manufacturers have been using electric power steering systems that have some advantages over hydraulic systems. They have electric motors that—like everything mechanical—can fail. Sometimes a fuse to the power steering motor will blow, but simply replacing the fuse often doesn't get to the root cause of the problem. A AutoChoice Service Center Inc. technician can evaluate the system and recommend a solution. Steering issues are all about safety and should be addressed as soon as possible. When you tell your service advisor, try to be specific about the signs and symptoms. It's one way to steer clear of trouble on the road. AutoChoice Service Center Inc. Beware of Cheap Tires in BloomingtonPosted July 10, 2018 3:00 AMDo you like to shop for shoes in Bloomington? Bloomington drivers should also think about the safety aspect of tires. The tires do a lot of work – they carry the weight of the vehicle and you and your passengers. You want to be sure they hold the road and provide good traction on Indiana freeways and surface streets. If you carry heavy loads or tow a trailer on Indiana highways, the tires need a high load rating.
AutoChoice Service Center Inc.
Trip Inspection at AutoChoice Service Center Inc. in BloomingtonPosted July 1, 2018 9:07 AMBloomington area drivers love their vehicles. And one of the most enjoyable things about them is taking a road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road – it's great! But there's nothing like vehicle trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt. Prepared with answers to these questions, you can schedule a trip inspection at AutoChoice Service Center Inc. in Bloomington to help you prepare your vehicle for your big adventure. A lot of our Bloomington customers prefer to go through this exercise with their friendly and knowledgeable service advisor to get their input and make sure they haven't overlooked anything. Shocks and struts play a major role in both driving comfort and safety. If they need to be replaced, you'll really be glad you did once you hit the road. Is it time for a wheel alignment? Fighting a car that's pulling to one side all day can be tiring and dangerous. And don't forget your brakes. Any strange noises, grabbing, soft or hard peddle feel? If there is any doubt, get a brake inspection at AutoChoice Service Center Inc. in Bloomington before you leave. Moving under the hood, have a belts and hoses inspection. If something is excessively worn or near failure, the stress of a long road trip might just be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Talk to your service advisor at AutoChoice Service Center Inc.. Do you notice any unusual odors in your vehicle? If so, it could be as harmless as a dirty cabin air filter. But if it's an exhaust leak, it could be fatal for Bloomington drivers and their passengers on a long trip. Of course you'll want to be comfortable, so get an air conditioning service if you aren't getting the cold air you’re used to. Are your wiper blades still working well? If not, that is a quick and inexpensive fix for Bloomington drivers. Headlamps are often overlooked when planning for a trip. If you haven't changed the bulb in six months or so, replacement bulbs will really light up the night on your trip and provide the necessary after-sundown visibility. All the items mentioned are part of any good vehicle maintenance plan. These are things that you want to take care of anyway, but they all become more important as you plan for your trip. AutoChoice Service Center Inc. | ||
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Reviews
I had my car in a while back for brake work and once again I was extremely pleased with Auto Choice. They are professional and honest (a rare combination) and I know that the work will be done correctly. I drive a Subaru and I completely trust my technician Jake to diagnose and expertly correct any issues that come up. I definitely will be back the next time I need anything car related. Thank you Jake and Auto Choice! Cathy Kinsman, 04/17/2024 |
My son attends IU and his older car needed an urgent repair. The nature of the repair made it impossible for him to drive the car home and have our usual shop work on his car. Trust is a big issue when choosing a repair shop. The team at AutoChoice Service was professional and thorough in making their recommendations. They advised what repairs were urgent and what items could be delayed for the time being. Their quote was fair and detailed. The job was completed on time. I highly recommend AutoChoice. Jay Erickson, 03/31/2024 |
Brought my car in thinking it was burning oil, because that's what Jd Byrider told me. They fixed 3k worth of things within a week. So glad I decided to get a second opinion, will definitely be going here from now on since I know now they take my warranty! Also fixed whatever was causing it to pull to the left, Bell Tire couldn't even do that. 10/10 recommend. Kali Allen, 03/28/2024 |